EP2783620A2 - Function block for fluid connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The function block (100) has pressure control unit (170) that is connected to second port (120) and drain port (150), to maintain a predetermined pressure in fluid connection to second port during operation of functional block. A monitoring device (180) is connected to third port (130) and to load port (160), to determine condition of a fluid flow between third port and actuator port. The first port (110), second port, third port, raw water port (140), drain port, load port, pressure control unit and monitoring device are fixed to a frame (190). An independent claim is included for water treatment system with function block, water treatment plant and load.

Description

The present invention relates to a functional block for fluidly connecting a consumer, a raw water pipe, a drain and a water treatment plant and in particular to a functional block for fluidly connecting a dishwasher with a reverse osmosis system.

DESCRIPTION

A critical issue in conventional dishwashers, especially when used in a commercial environment, is often their connection to and treatment of a water treatment plant. For dishwashers in a commercial environment high reliability requirements. They should not only achieve the best possible result when cleaning dishes on a large scale, but also work for a long time or permanently reliable. Therefore, not only the dishwashers themselves, but also the additional components (such as water treatment or water softening) and the connection components should meet high requirements.

For example, many fluid lines often have to be connected to one another in the environment of the water treatment and the specific connections differ from plant to plant. Thus, in conventional purge systems, the fluid compounds, i. the cables themselves or the corresponding connectors (e.g., fittings) are often prone to leakage or other interference. In addition, the installation of the water treatment plant is often adapted to a specific dishwasher. As a result, the service is complicated because the specific fluid interconnect varies from plant to plant.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a fluid connection functional block and system including the functional block, a consumer, and a water treatment plant to achieve a high level of reliability and operator friendliness as well as service friendliness.

This object is achieved by a functional block according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 14.

According to the present invention, the functional block for fluidly connecting a load, a raw water pipe, a drain, and a water treatment plant comprises: first, second, and third ports, raw water port, sewage port, pressure control unit, monitor, and frame.

The first connection and the raw water connection are fluidly connected. The water treatment plant can be connected to the third connection, and a raw water pipe can be connected to the raw water connection. The pressure control unit is fluidly connected to the second port and to the drain port, wherein the pressure control unit is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure in fluid communication with the second port during operation of the functional block. The monitoring device is fluidly connected to the third port and fluid to the consumer port, wherein the monitoring device is designed to determine at least one condition of a fluid flow between the third port and the consumer port. On the frame, one or more of the following are attached: the first port, the second port, the third port, the raw water port, the sewer port, the consumer port, the pressure control unit, and the monitoring device.

With the frame is thus ensured that the elements which are fixed to the frame, have a fixed spatial position to each other, so that the fluid connection between the individual elements can be fixed, so as to dispense with fittings as possible. In addition, the various elements mentioned above can be connected by robust lines. For example, in addition to flexible and rigid lines can be used to connect the elements. By solid lines thus a high degree of reliability can be achieved because, for example, porosity due to aging can be excluded.

The frame may further include a housing and may optionally be separably connected to the consumer and the water treatment plant such that the functional block is an interchangeable module. This has the effect that on the one hand, the fluid connection between the individual elements of the function block is fixed and on the other hand easy replacement of the function block facilitates the service. For example, repairs / checks can be easily and inexpensively performed by connecting the functional block to a test bench. Without much effort can thus determine which of the elements shows a misconduct. In addition, can be achieved with the modular design that the functional block for different types of consumers and / or for different water treatment plants is available.

The functional block is not only usable for a commercial dishwasher as a consumer, but can also be used for a domestic dishwasher, a washing machine, a coffee maker, an ice maker or a combi steamer. In addition, a partial desalination plant, a reverse osmosis plant, a full desalination plant, a water softening plant and a micro, nano or ultrafiltration plant can be connected to the function block as a water treatment plant, for example. Therefore, embodiments have a high degree of flexibility in terms of connectivity to the modular function block.

The frame needs to be firmly connected only to the individual elements, but not to the consumer and / or the water treatment plant, which are connected in other embodiments, only one or more fluid lines to the function block (but otherwise are movable relative to each other).

The at least one condition of the fluid flow between the third port and the consumer port, which is determined by the monitoring device, may include, for example, the temperature and / or the electrical conductivity of the fluid. Optionally, the flow rate of the fluid flow in the permeate conduit may be determined by means of a first flow meter and / or additionally the Pressure to be measured.

In further embodiments, the functional block has a retentate return line connecting the pressure control unit to the first port. Optionally, the functional block has a first valve device, which is designed to controllably open or controllably close a first fluid connection from the pressure control unit to the waste water connection and / or the retentate return line. With this retentate recycle line, for example, depending on the nature of the fluid flow (as determined by the monitor), it becomes possible for the fluid flow to be at least partially recirculated, thus again passing through the water treatment plant, such as a higher quality of the recycle To reach water.

The first valve device can be controlled such that the fluid flow is either directed towards the consumer or is returned via the retentate return line. In other embodiments, the first valve means need not alternatively open one or the other flow, but may also be controlled such that a portion of the fluid flow is directed to the dirty water port while a remaining portion of the fluid flow is returned via the retentate return line becomes.

In further embodiments, the functional block has a permeate return line which connects the monitoring device and the first connection fluid. Furthermore, a second valve device can optionally be designed to controllably open or controllably close a second fluid connection from the monitoring device to the consumer port and / or the permeate return line.

The permeate return line thus provides the opportunity to recirculate the second fluid flow flowing from the third port to the monitoring device back to the first port and thereby reprocess it. This can be supplied to the consumer water of increased quality (eg only water, whose water hardness or pollution is below a threshold). In other embodiments, the second valve means need not alternatively open one or the other flow, but may also be controlled such that a portion of the fluid flow is directed to the consumer while a remaining portion of the fluid flow is recirculated via the permeate return line becomes.

In further embodiments, the retentate return line comprises a retentate check valve and / or the permeate return line comprises a permeate check valve. The retentate check valve and the permeate check valve are formed, for example, to allow a fluid flow along the retentate return line or in one direction only, so that it can be ensured that, for example, from the raw water connection no direct fluid flow to the consumer is possible, but that the raw water can only get to the consumer or to the wastewater connection via the water treatment plant.

In further exemplary embodiments, the functional block optionally has a bypass line which connects the raw water connection and the consumer connection with one another. Optionally, a third valve device is designed to controllably open or controllably close a third fluid connection from the raw water connection to the first connection and / or the bypass line. For example, if the raw water has a very good or sufficient water quality, the bypass line allows the raw water can be passed directly from the raw water pipe to the consumer, without having to pass before the water treatment plant. For this purpose, the third valve device can be used, on the one hand, to open / close the bypass line and, on the other hand, to close / open the connection to the first connection, so that water can pass directly from the raw water connection to the consumer. As with the first and second valve means, the third valve means may be adapted to alternatively release one or the other flow or a partial flow along the bypass conduit and a allow partial flow towards the first port.

In further exemplary embodiments, the monitoring device has a temperature sensor and / or a conductivity measuring device in the function block. The temperature sensor is designed to measure the temperature of the fluid flow coming from the third port. With the conductivity measurement, for example based on the electrical conductivity of the flow from the third port, it can be determined how many residual ions are present in the fluid flow to determine from this data whether re-watering is useful or if the fluid flow is direct can be forwarded to the consumer. Therefore, based on these data, the first and / or second and / or third valve device can be controlled accordingly.

In further exemplary embodiments, the functional block furthermore has a pressure sensor, a prefilter connection and a further connection, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged between the prefilter connection and the further connection and the prefilter can be connected between the first connection and the prefilter connection. This ensures that the water treatment plant can be supplemented by a pre-filter. The fluid flow thus passes first via the first connection to the optional pre-filter, from where it is then forwarded to the pressure sensor via a prefiltration connection to the pressure sensor, after the pressure has been determined by the pressure sensor, the fluid flow is finally transferred to the further connection of the water treatment system to lead.

In further embodiments, the functional block comprises one or more of the following components: a further pressure sensor for measuring a further pressure at the raw water connection, a second flow measuring device for measuring a flow rate of raw water from the raw water connection, an additional pressure sensor for measuring an additional pressure at the consumer connection, and optionally a further flow measuring device for measuring a flow rate at the consumer connection.

Thus, the further pressure sensor between the raw water connection and the first connection and / or the second flow measuring device can be arranged downstream of the raw water connection. Optionally, the additional pressure sensor and / or the first flow measuring device may be formed upstream of the consumer connection.

With the pressure sensor, the further pressure sensor and the additional pressure sensor, it is possible, for example, to measure a pressure difference that prevails over the water treatment plant, and / or to measure a pressure difference that prevails over the pre-filter with respect to the raw water connection. In addition, it is possible to carry out the control of the functional block based on the pressure on the raw water line and at the same time to adjust the pressure with which the permeate (treated water) is delivered to the consumer according to the requirements of the respective consumer. The first flow measuring device and / or the second flow measuring device determines / determine one / more flow rate / flow rates, on the one hand, the raw water is supplied via the raw water connection to the function block and on the other hand, the permeate is forwarded via the consumer connection of the function block to the consumer. From the difference, the amount of retentate can be determined.

In further exemplary embodiments, the pressure control unit and / or the monitoring device and / or the first, the second and / or the third valve device and / or the pressure sensor and / or the further and / or the additional pressure sensor are arranged offset from one another along a main surface of the frame. so that the functional block has a planar configuration. It is thereby achieved that the fluid connections between the individual components are also formed substantially in one surface, so that in case of disturbances, these fluid compounds are easily accessible.

If the frame has the optional housing, only the connections for the water treatment system, the consumer and the raw water need to be visible and / or accessible from the outside, so that the integrated design further disturbing possibilities excluded. This modular construction further has the advantage that the functional block is easily interchangeable and can be manufactured as a standard component, so that it can be inexpensively manufactured and easily replaced in case of malfunction. In addition, the functional block can easily be subjected to various tests in a test device.

In further embodiments, the first valve device and / or the second valve device and / or the third valve device are designed as a three-way valve or as two two-way valves. Three-way valves have the advantage that only one component is to be integrated into the function block, so that further fluid connections can be avoided. In contrast, two two-way valves have the advantage that a separate control is possible, and also intermediate states in which both valves are each partially open, is possible or easy to implement. Three- or multi-way valves that allow partial opening of individual paths may also be integrated in the valve devices.

In further embodiments, a control unit is optionally formed in the functional block or separately therefrom (eg, external to the frame) to operate the functional block in various modes of operation by controlling the first valve device and / or the second valve device and / or the third valve device. Furthermore, the control unit may receive sensor data from the pressure sensor and / or the monitoring device as well as the further pressure sensor and / or the additional pressure sensor in order to control the valves based on the measurement data.

This can be achieved on the one hand, the water treatment plant is optimally supplied with raw water and the pressure at the entrance and exit of the water treatment plant is adjusted accordingly, so that an optimal result can be achieved. In addition, the pressure drop over the water treatment plant as well as over the optional pre-filter stage can be determined in order to detect malfunction (eg leaks) or to enable optimal operation.

In further embodiments, the pressure control unit is a switching valve and / or a motor-driven digital or analog valve and / or a throttle and / or a general flow regulator.

Further embodiments relate to a system with a previously described functional block and a water treatment plant and a consumer. Optionally, the water treatment plant may be one of the following: a partial desalination plant, a reverse osmosis plant, a desalination plant, a water softening plant and a micro, nano or ultrafiltration plant. In other embodiments, the consumer is one of the following: a commercial dishwasher, a household dishwasher, a washing machine, a coffee maker, an ice maker or a combi steamer.

The functional block according to embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages. First, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of leaking, as many fittings are not required. Instead, the individual components may be fixedly arranged along the frame such that solid fluid connections are formed between the individual components. In addition, embodiments have the advantage that a fixed wiring (e.g., only a wiring harness) is formed by the optional control unit to the functional block. Optionally, only the pump motor for an exemplary reverse osmosis system is separately connected to the power grid.

Further advantages relate to quality assurance, since only one functional block is used as an integrated component. For example, the assembly and testing of the functional block can take place fully automatically on a test stand. Furthermore, a low hosing is possible (for example, with only eight interfaces) and thus a low installation time is possible with low installation costs.

In addition, the function block is manageable, so that, for example, the name and the labeling of the components on the function block are possible. It is advantageous, for example, that the functional block has a substantially flat configuration is such that all components are formed along a two-dimensional surface. In addition, a high level of permutation safety is possible, since internally no wrong assembly is possible (since the corresponding fittings are missing, so that the solid fluid connections can be connected to each other only in one way). Finally, a high level of service friendliness is achieved, since all components are arranged clearly along the frame and fault finding is easily detectable (almost all sensors and actuators are arranged on one surface of the function block).

Fig. 1

einen Funktionsblock nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;

Fig. 2

einen Funktionsblock mit weiteren optionalen Komponenten nach weiteren Ausführungsbeispielen der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt; und

Fig. 3

einen Funktionsblock mit einer Steuereinheit gemäß weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a functional block according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2

Figure 5 shows a functional block with further optional components according to further embodiments of the present invention; and

Fig. 3

shows a functional block with a control unit according to further embodiments of the present invention.

The Fig. 1 shows a functional block 100 for fluidly connecting a consumer, a raw water pipe, a drain and a water treatment plant. The functional block 100 has the following features: a first connection 110, a second connection 120, a third connection 130, a raw water connection 140, a wastewater connection 150, a consumer connection 160, a pressure regulation unit 170, a monitoring device 180 and a frame 190.

The water treatment plant can be connected to the first, second and third connections 110, 120 and 130 and the raw water line can be connected to the raw water connection 140, with the first connection 110 and the raw water line being fluidly connected to one another. In addition, the pressure control unit 170 is fluidly connected to the second port 120 and to the sewage port 150. The pressure control unit 170 is further configured to maintain a certain pressure on the second port 120 during operation of the functional block. Thus, for example, when connecting a reverse osmosis system the necessary pressure can be secured within such a system. The monitoring device 180 is fluidly arranged between the third port 130 and the consumer port 160 and is further configured to determine at least one condition of a fluid flow between the third port 130 and the consumer port 160.

On the frame 190, the first port 110 and / or the second port 120 and / or the third port 130 and / or the raw water port 140 and / or the waste water port 150 and / or the consumer port 160 and / or the pressure control unit 170 and / or the monitoring device 180 attached. Optionally, all of these components are fixedly connected to the frame, so that their local position is fixed to each other by the frame and the corresponding fluid connections between the individual components without the use of fittings by solid fluid lines are possible. Optionally, the frame can be separable from the consumer and the water treatment plant, so that the consumer and the water treatment plant can be easily connected to the functional block and the functional block can be used as an interchangeable module between the consumer and the water treatment plant.

The Fig. 2 shows further optional components for the function block 100, either individually or in any combination to the function block, as shown in the Fig. 1 shown can be added. In order to simplify the clarity of the figure, in the embodiment of Fig. 2 the frame is not explicitly shown. The Fig. 2 Thus, essentially only shows a wiring diagram of the individual components, without determining their relative position to each other by the frame 190.

In the following description, the flow direction is defined as follows: Raw water passes from the raw water port 140 into the functional block, and after the treatment, flows as a retentate from the second port 120 via the sewage port 150 or as permeate from the third port 130 via the consumer port 160 from the function block 100 from.

In the function block of Fig. 2 the raw water connection 140 is connected via a raw water line 315 with a raw water inlet 310. Further, in the functional block, the sewage port 150 is connected to a sewage drain line 320, and the consumer port 160 is connected to a permeate take-off point 330, from which, for example, the consumer can receive the permeate (ie, the treated water). Furthermore, in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 formed between the raw water port 140 and the first port 110, a second flow meter 115 and downstream of the flow meter 115, the further pressure sensor 116 is formed, the Pressure on the fluid connection of the raw water connection 140 to the first terminal 110 determined.

In the function block of Fig. 2 The functional block 100 optionally includes a retentate recycle line 131 between a retentate branch 136 (downstream of the pressure control unit 170) and the first port 110. The retentate recycle line 131 joins the fluid connection between the raw water port 140 and the first port 110 at a retentate recycle port 135. Along the retentate return line 131, a retentate recirculation valve is formed as a first part of the first valve device 133a (eg, a solenoid valve) and a first check valve 139.

In addition, a retentate exit valve 133b (eg, a solenoid valve) is disposed along a retentate drain line 134 between the retentate branch point 136 and the sewer port 150. The retentate recycle valve 133a and the retentate exit valve 133b form the first valve device 133 that is configured to controllably open or close a first fluid connection from the pressure control unit 170 to the sewer port 150 and, optionally, the retentate return line 131 between Pressure control unit 170 and the retentate recirculation-Einmündestelle 135 controllable to open or close.

In the function block of Fig. 2 For example, the monitoring device 180 has a conductivity measuring device 180a, a temperature measuring device 180b and a first flow measuring device 180c. Additionally, the embodiment optionally includes a permeate return line 127 between a permeate branch point 126 located downstream of the monitor 180 and the first port 110. The permeate recycle line 127 enters the fluid communication between the raw water port 140 and the first port 110 upstream of the retentate recycle port 135 at a permeate recycle port 128. Along the permeate return line 127 is formed a permeate recirculation valve 137a (eg, a solenoid valve) and optionally a first permeate check valve 129 which allows fluid flow only in the direction toward the permeate recirculation inlet point 128.

Optionally, a permeate outlet valve 137b (e.g., a solenoid valve), a second permeate check valve 149, and the additional pressure sensor 142 are formed along a permeate discharge line 138 between the permeate branch 126 and the consumer port 160. The additional pressure sensor 142 measures the pressure at the consumer port 160. The second permeate check valve 149 prevents fluid reflux from the consumer port 160 and the bypass 108 to the bypass port 148 (see description below) being possible. The permeate recycle valve 137a and the permeate exit valve 137b form the second valve assembly 137 that is configured to controllably open or close the second fluidic connection 138 from the monitor 180 to the consumer port 160 (via the permeate effluent line 138) and / or or controllably open or close the permeate return line 127.

The function block as in the Fig. 2 2, optionally further includes a bypass line 108 defined between a bypass branch point 146 fluidly formed between the further pressure sensor 116 and the permeate recirculation inlet point 128 and a bypass injection point 148 (between the second permeate -Check valve 149 and the additional pressure sensor 142) is formed. Along the bypass line 108, a bypass valve 109b (eg, a solenoid valve) is formed, and between the bypass branch point 146 and the permeate recirculation inlet point 128, an input valve 109a (eg, a solenoid valve) is formed.

The input valve 109a and the bypass valve 109b form the third valve device configured to controllably open or close a third fluid connection from the raw water port 140 to the first port 110 and / or controllably open the bypass line 108 or close.

The exemplary functional block of Fig. 2 further includes a pre-filter port 112 and another port 114, so that it is possible to connect a pre-filter 360 between the first port 110 and the pre-filter port 112. In addition, the water treatment plant is connected between the further connection 114, the second connection 120 and the third connection 130. For example, the water treatment plant may include a pump 350 and, for example, a reverse osmosis system having a membrane module 340 and a membrane 345. In the exemplary reverse osmosis system, the second port 120 is connected to the retentate chamber of the reverse osmosis system via a retentate line 349, and the third port 130 is connected via a permeate line 347 to a permeate carburetor of the reverse osmosis system.

The used reverse osmosis system can, for example, water to be treated, which is supplied via the pre-filter 360 and the other terminal 114 of the pump 350, lead into a filter module under high pressure on the surface of a semi-permeable membrane 345 along, with a portion of the water, the so-called Permeate is passed over the surface of the membrane so that it passes through the membrane and is collected on the other side of the membrane within the module in a permeate collection chamber and from there via the permeate line 347 is supplied to the third port.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the control of the individual valves, for example may be designed to be controllable as solenoid valves. The control takes place via a control unit 200, which may be part of the functional block or, alternatively, can be externally connected to the functional block 100 via a cable harness. For this purpose, the functional block has electrical signal lines between the control unit 200 and the controllable components of the function block 100. For example, a signal line from the control unit 200 to the bypass valve 109b and / or to the input valve 109a and / or to the permeate recirculation valve 137a and / or to the permeate outlet valve 137b and / or to the retentate recirculation valve 133a and / or to the retentate output valve 133b. Thus, it becomes possible for the control unit 200 to open or close (or optionally partially open or close) one or more of these valves 109, 133, 137, thus affecting flow rates along the various fluid connections (eg, opening or closing different flow paths) shut down).

In order to enable efficient control, further signal lines are optionally formed between the pressure regulating device 170 and the control unit 200 and / or between the conductivity measuring device 180a and the control unit 200 and / or between the temperature sensor 180b and / or the first flow measuring device 180c and the control unit 200. Furthermore, further signal lines may be formed by the control unit 200 to the pressure sensor 116 and / or to the further pressure sensor 132 and / or to the additional pressure sensor 142 and / or to the second flow measuring device 115.

The other signal lines, indicated by dashed lines in the Fig. 3 Thus, detection of different operating conditions (eg, whether a connection is open or not) or detection of at least one condition (eg, a physical property such as pressure or temperature or electrical conductivity) of fluid flows along the fluid connections in the functional block are allowed. With the signal lines in the Fig. 3 shown by dashed-dotted lines, the control unit 200 may control the function block 100 to place it in different modes of operation. This control can optionally be based be carried out on the previously recorded condition or the previously determined operating condition or regardless of the nature or the operating condition.

For example, the following operations of the functional block 100 may be realized by the control unit 200. In a normal operation, the raw water passes via the raw water port 140 and via an opened input valve 109a (with the bypass valve 109b closed) to the first port 110, where it exits the function block 100 and in the pre-filter (for example, a combined activated carbon and / or Sediment prefilter) is first filtered to then return to the function block 100 via the prefilter connection 112, where after a pressure measurement by the pressure sensor 132, the function block 100 leaves again through the further connection 114. For example, a pump 350, which pumps the raw water to the water treatment plant (for example, a reverse osmosis membrane module), is connected to the further connection 114. In the exemplary reverse osmosis membrane module, the water is pumped to a membrane 345 where it flows under elevated pressure such that permeate passes via the permeate line 347 to the third port 130 and the retentate passes via the retentate line 349 to the second port 120. The retentate flow is passed to the sewer port 150 after passing the pressure regulator 170 and after passing the opened retentate exit valve 133b (with the retentate return valve 133a closed). The permeate flow is redirected via the third port 130 back to the functional block 100 where it passes after passing the optional conductivity meter 180a and / or the optional temperature measurement by the temperature measuring device 180b and / or the optional first flow meter 180c and an open permeate outlet valve 137b is supplied to the consumer port 160 passing the optional permeate check valve. In this normal mode of operation, both the bypass line 108 and the permeate return line 127 and the retentate return line 131 are closed (ie, the retentate recirculation valve 133a, the permeate recirculation valve 137a, and the bypass valve 109b are closed).

In a further mode of operation, for example, the raw water from the raw water connection 110 can be fed directly to the consumer connection 160 via the bypass line 108, by closing the inlet valve 109a, opening the bypass valve 109b and also closing the permeate outlet valve 137b. Thus, the raw water can only be passed through the bypass line 108.

In a further mode of operation, both the permeate outlet valve 137b and the retentate outlet valve 133b are closed so that, with the bypass valve 109b and the inlet valve 109a open, the raw water will flow through the filter 360 as it did during normal operation after passing the pressure sensor 132 and the water treatment system 340, the retentate flow (from the retentate line 349) via retentate return line 131 as well as the permeate flow (via the permeate line 347) via the permeate return line 127 are again guided to the first port 110. This makes it possible to achieve a closed loop for the retentate flow and / or for the permeate flow. Alternatively, it is also possible that only the retentate recycle line 131 or only the permeate return line is opened and the other line is closed so that either only the permeate is directed via the permeate port 160 to the consumer and the retentate in turn is recycled or, alternatively, that only the retentate is fed to the waste water port 150, during which the permeate is in turn supplied to the first port.

In further embodiments, the bypass valve 109b and / or the input valve 109a and / or the permeate recirculation valve 137a and / or the permeate outlet valve 137b and / or the permeate recirculation valve 133a and / or the retentate outlet valve 133b are only partial opened or closed, so that the corresponding rivers are only partially passed or returned.

The circuit diagrams, as used in the Fig. 2 and 3 are merely an illustration of the individual elements, wherein the particular spatial arrangement on the frame may be different. For example, like that Fig. 1 shows, the consumer port 160 and the sewer port 150 reversed. As well For example, the other components may be arranged along the frame at different locations, and the spatial arrangement as shown in FIGS Fig. 2 and 3 is shown for illustrative purposes only, without the corresponding components are to be arranged spatially, as they are in the Fig. 2 and 3 are shown. For example, the consumer port 160 and the waste water port 150 can be arranged on one side of the functional module, during which the raw water port 140 and / or the water spreading system 360, 350, 340 are arranged on another or opposite side.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures may be essential for the realization of the invention either individually or in any combination.

Claims (15)

Function block (100) for fluidly connecting a consumer, a raw water line, a drain and a water treatment plant, comprising: a first port (110), a second port (120), a third port (130) to which the water treatment plant is connectable; a raw water port (140) connectable to a raw water line, the first port (110) and the raw water port (140) being fluidly connected; a sewage connection (150) and a consumer connection (160); a pressure control unit (170) fluidly connected to the second port (120) and to the waste water port (150), the pressure control unit (170) adapted to maintain a predetermined pressure in fluid communication with the second port during operation of the functional block (120) to keep upright; a monitoring device (180) fluidly connected to the third port (130) and fluid to the consumer port (160), wherein the monitoring device (180) is configured to detect at least one fluid flow condition between the third port (130) and to determine the consumer connection (160); and a frame (190) to which at least one of the following is attached: the first port (110), the second port (120), the third port (130), the raw water port (140), the sewer port (150), the consumer port (160), the pressure control unit (170) and the monitoring device (180). The functional block (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a retentate return line (131) connecting the pressure control unit (170) and the first port (110); and a first valve means (133a, 133b) adapted to controllably open or close a first fluid connection (134) from the pressure control unit (170) to the waste water port (150) and / or the retentate return line (131). A functional block (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a permeate return line (127) connecting the monitor (180) and the first port (110); and second valve means (137a, 137b) adapted to controllably open or close a second fluidic connection (138) from the monitoring device (180) to the consumer port (160) and / or the permeate return line (127). The functional block (100) of claim 3, wherein along the permeate return line (127) a first check valve (129) and / or along the retentate return line (131) a second check valve (139) are arranged, the first check valve (129) and the second check valve (139) are configured to block fluid flow from the first port (110). A functional block (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a bypass line (108) connecting the raw water port (140) and the consumer port (160); and third valve means (109a, 109b) adapted to controllably open or close a third fluid connection from the raw water port (140) to the first port (110) and / or the bypass conduit (108). The functional block (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitor (180) comprises a first flow meter (180c) for measuring a flow rate and / or a temperature sensor (180b) and / or a conductivity meter (180a). The functional block (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water treatment plant has a prefilter and the functional block further comprises a pressure sensor (132); a prefilter connection (112) and a further connection (114) for the water treatment plant, wherein the pressure sensor (132) is fluidly arranged between the prefilter connection (112) and the further connection (114), and wherein the prefilter between the first connection (110 ) and the pre-filter connection (112) can be connected. A functional block (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of a further pressure sensor (116) for measuring another pressure at the raw water port (140), a second flow meter (115) for measuring a flow rate of raw water from the raw water port (140), an additional pressure sensor (142) for measuring additional pressure at the consumer port (160). The functional block (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the following: the pressure control unit (170), the monitor (180), the first, second and third valve means (133a, 133b; 137a, 137b; 109a, 109b ), the pressure sensor (132), the additional pressure sensor (142) along a main surface of the frame (190) are arranged offset from one another, so that the functional block has a planar configuration. The functional block (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (190) is separable from the consumer and the water treatment plant such that the functional block (100) is a replaceable module. Function block (100) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the first valve means (133a, 133b) and / or the second valve means (137a, 137b) and / or the third valve means (109a, 109b), a three-way valve or two two-way valves includes. The functional block (100) of any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a control unit (200) configured to operate the functional block in various modes of operation by operating the first valve device (133a, 133b) and / or the second valve device (137a, 137b) and / or the third valve device (109a, 109b) and / or sensor data from the pressure sensor (132) and / or the additional pressure sensor (142) or by the monitoring device (180) to detect. A functional block (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure control unit (170) is a switching valve, a motor-driven digital or analog valve, a throttle, or generally a flow regulator. System with: a functional block according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a water treatment plant; and a consumer. The system of claim 14, wherein
the water treatment plant is one of the following: a partial desalination plant, a reverse osmosis plant, a desalination plant, a water softening plant, a micro, nano or ultrafiltration plant; and / or the consumer one of the following is: a commercial dishwasher, a household dishwasher, a washing machine, a coffee machine, an ice maker, a combi steamer.

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